AUGUST TOWN HALL RECAP
The meeting kicked off with fresh concerns about the growth of the grizzly bear population in eastern Idaho. Sen. Van Burtenshaw, the Senate Resources and Environment Committee chairman, said grizzlies have become a pressing concern for many in his district and others living and working in the region.
Idaho Fish and Game Director Jim Fredericks echoed those concerns. The Director said he understood those concerns and added that he is frustrated with the scope and pace of the response from the federal government.
As part of Fredericks’ update, he announced that the Department had received a Notice of Intent (NOI) seeking to limit black bear hunting in the wake of a shooting of a young grizzly bear (the hunter mistakenly identified the bear) in the St. Maries area. The NOI was signed by WildEarth Guardians, Western Watersheds Project, Friends of the Clearwater, and Wilderness Watch. These groups say they are concerned about hunting units that allow for baiting of black bear could also attract grizzlies passing through, potentially creating a violation of the Endangered Species Act. Anyone interested in reading the NOI should visit HERE.
This news provoked members to discuss mandatory hunter training to distinguish between black bears and grizzlies. Montana provides this kind of training, though it’s not yet clear from data whether the trainng has prevented any grizzly deaths. A meeting is planned for Aug. 15 to discuss the merits of a temporary rule. Idaho Sportsmen board member Tim Frost said he favored any way to keep IDFG’s ability to manage predator populations.
Ellary Tucker-Williams, IDFG Legislative, and Community Engagement Coordinator provided an update on creating a technology/fair chase working group. She said the Department intends to notify the public and industry members about opportunities to provide feedback. She also said a nonresident tag advisory group is being formed. The goal of this group is to consider policies to balance resident vs. nonresident hunting tags.
IN OTHER NEWS
Mike Edmundson, Administrator for the Office of Species Conservation, provided an update on the wolf and grizzly depredation reimbursement, a program that has gained more traction with the uptick in public awareness. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture will oversee rulemaking, including preventative measures to fill gaps in HB592.
Dustin Miller, the Director of Idaho Department of Lands, covered the wildfire season, which he said got underway last month after a series of lightning strikes. He said Gov. Little will visit North Idaho in a couple of weeks to tour active wildfires. The Governor will also be releasing a wildfire priority list later this month. The list comes after a roundtable meeting with utilities and insurers. Miller said fire restrictions have been imposed in a few places around the state and it’s likely more will be imposed in the coming weeks.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Benn Brocksome, from Idaho Sportsmen, shared news about the upcoming Clay Buster Bonanza shooting event, slated for Sept. 18. The event gets underway at 8:30 a.m. at the Caldwell Gun Club. All 12-gauge ammo will be provided courtesy of CCI/Speer. Funds raised will go to the Idaho Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus.
